Tartan Day could bring greater benefits to Scotland if we follow the Irish example, says Scottish Lord

00:00, 6 Apr 2015

TARTAN DAY on April 6 could be the Scottish equivalent of St Patrick’s Day in which the world turns green and the global spotlight falls on Ireland, says Jamie, the 21st Lord Sempill.

Share

Get weekly news by email

Jamie, Lord Sempill, as Chief of the Bundanoon games in Australia in 2012 (right)

VERY few nations enjoy the recognition given to Scotland when, every year, the USA and Canada designate April 6 National Tartan Day, marking the contribution that Scots have made to thoe two countries.

The date commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320, which asserted Scotland’s sovereignty over English territorial claims, and which influenced the American Declaration of Independence.

Today, it is estimated that up to 14 million North Americans claim Scottish descent, which accounts for over a third of the global Scottish diaspora of more than 40 million.

These figures are best taken with a pinch of salt, but what is irrefutable is the strong presence of Scottish organisations and events across the American continent. The skirl of bagpipes and the wearing of tartan can be heard and seen throughout the year.

In addition, 34 American states have their own tartan, adding to the 630 other tartans for American companies, organisations and private individuals.

Famous names such as the FBI, American Express, Brooks Brothers, Westpoint Military Academy and even the US Marines have a tartan as well as every Canadian Province and Territory, including one for the world-famous Mounties.

In Australia and New Zealand, Tartan Day is celebrated on the 1st July, commemorating the day in 1782 when the British Parliament repealed the Act of Proscription 1747 – an act that made it an offence to wear tartan.

Today, the wearing of tartan in these nations is synonymous with being Scottish and has become an integral part of our identity.

But could Tartan Day become Scotland’s equivalent to Ireland’s St Patrick’s Day - now a global celebration of what it means to be Irish?

Lord Sempill believes Tartan Day should be used to promote Scotland

The big difference is that St Patrick’s Day is a national holiday celebrated all over Ireland, while Tartan day is a product of Scotland’s diaspora, and is unlikely to ever become a national celebration at home.

As it is we have St Andrew’s day on November 30th, which in 2007 was introduced as a Scottish national Bank Holiday. Also, let us not forget Hogmanay and Burns Night, all authentic Scottish occasions celebrated around the world.

However, Tartan Day does provide Scotland with the ideal platform on which to promote the country and its products, something which The Scottish government have been pursuing, but nowhere near the scale of the Irish government in their global promotion of St Patrick’s Day.

In 2014 Saint Patrick’s Day saw the promotion of Ireland directly to 353,000 people at relevant cultural events. There were 30 trade-focused high-level visits across 60 cities in 23 countries, and 108 business events involving over 13,600 Irish and international company representatives.

Lord Sempill at the Grandfather Mountain games in North Carolina, USA

Last month the Greening of 76 iconic world sites on March 17, provided the Irish icing on this impressive national promotion.

These efforts reached an estimated audience of 80 million around the world, raising Ireland’s profile and enhancing their international reputation.

All this can be done by Scotland, but it requires a much higher level of investment, and a much more integrated approach between business and cultural organisations.

To quote directly from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: “Ireland’s culture is a unique national strength, which defines us on the world stage. The global impact of Irish culture is one of our greatest competitive advantages, acting as a ‘door opener’ that helps to secure jobs, trade, investment and tourism. It’s also our most effective way of connecting with the global Irish diaspora and the cultural sector is a dynamic and growing part of our economy.”

Substitute the words Ireland and Irish with Scotland and Scottish, inject vision, capital and leadership, and we would get the same results.

Jamie Sempill runs Clan Chief Tours, which specialises in Scotland’s heritage. He is a member of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs, a Board Director of the American Scottish Foundation, and an Honoury Trustee of COSCA (Council of Scottish Clans and Associations)